Sometimes finding the perfect gift for gamers is as hard as a final boss battle. Especially because the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox gaming consoles are still not easy to find in stock, even though it's been years since their initial launch. While you usually can't go wrong with gifting a new gadget, if you're looking to switch it up this year and get a gaming-related gift, we're here to help.
From a top-rated gaming headset to the latest Nintendo Switch accessory, a can't-miss video game, to a bunch of nostalgia-inducing collectibles, we've selected the best gift ideas for video game lovers that we vouch for ourselves. Whether you're shopping for your husband, girlfriend, roommate, or best friend, these gifts for gamers are total crowd-pleasers for all video game fans and are perfect for any occasion.
1A Value-Packed Gaming Laptop
If you want to splurge to treat a gamer you care about, consider gifting them the ROG Strix G16 from ASUS — one of the best gaming laptops for the money. It packs Intel’s latest Core i7 processor, an up-to-date NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics chip, abundant 16GB of RAM that’s easily upgradeable, and a zippy SSD with enough space for several AAA titles.
These hardware specs will treat players to an immersive gaming experience with rich and smooth graphics on a large 16-inch display with a Full HD resolution. In addition, a customizable light strip underneath the notebook’s palm rests will give the user a sense of occasion every time they power it up.
2The Best Switch You Can Buy
You will definitely make someone's year if you gift them a Switch OLED. What makes the versatile console so special is its highly immersive screen. It's an inch bigger than its predecessor and much brighter, so it makes a load of difference for gamers who primarily play their Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.
You can choose between three colors for your gift. They include the OLED-exclusive white pictured here, classic neon blue and red, and a red Mario edition.
3For Smartphone Gamers
If you're gifting someone who is always gaming on the go, the Razer Kishi smartphone gaming controller is a great option. It will transform their smartphone into a portable gaming console whose controls have better performance and tactility than those of a Nintendo Switch.
You can order the controller with and a for the all-new iPhone 15 and Android phones.
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4For Xbox and PC Gamers
The HyperX Clutch Gladiate is our favorite budget controller for Xbox (and PC) players, thanks to a cool design, rock-solid gaming performance, and buttons with excellent tactility. On the other hand, its integrated rumble motors deliver in-game feedback that belongs in a higher price category.
And unlike the original Xbox controller, the Gladiate has adjustable triggers. Overall, it's an amazing low-budget gift option for gamers who need more versatility or just a great backup.
5Best Gift for PlayStation Gamers
Whether you are shopping for a gamer who's been invested in the platform for decades or someone who owns the PlayStation 5, the recently launched slim edition is a phenomenal gift option. The revamped console is considerably smaller — 30%, to be precise — than the original while delivering the same incredible power and controller haptics.
Once again, you can choose between a digital edition PlayStation 5 or . The latter to the digital edition, so the giftee can upgrade down the line.
6For Console Gamers
The value-packed TCL Q7 smart 4K TV is one of the best for the money and an excellent big-ticket gift option for gamers who own a high-powered console like the Xbox Series X and the Sony PlayStation 5. The value-packed TV has a game accelerator mode with support for high and variable refresh rates for smooth gameplay.
As expected, the TCL Q7 TV is also a great home entertainment centerpiece that can deliver 4K HDR content from all major streaming services. Bigger screen options are also available.
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7A Desktop Sound Upgrade
Desktop PC gamers you care about are going to love a gift like the Razer Leviathan V2 X soundbar. Designed to slot underneath a monitor, the device delivers a powerful and immersive sound via a pair of full-range drivers. On the other hand, Bluetooth connectivity will allow recipients to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts by pairing their phones.
Equipped with the gaming giant's signature RGB Chroma lighting, the Leviathan V2 X will also make the onscreen gameplay more engaging. Consider for next-level bass if your budget allows.
8For Immersive Gaming
The Meta Quest 3 headset blends virtual elements with true surroundings to create more realistic interactions during play. Over 500 apps offer immersive experiences in gaming, entertainment, fitness, and more.
9For Seamless Online Gameplay
A fast and flawless internet connection is instrumental for gamers who like to compete online, making the eero 6+ mesh router an incredibly thoughtful gift for such personalities. The compact gadget will drape their space with future-proof Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. A single unit can deliver gigabit internet speeds to over 70 connected devices.
Setting up and managing the eero 6+ is easy via an intuitive companion app. One router can cover up to 1,500 square feet of space. Consider gifting sets with or if recipients have larger homes.
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10Most Versatile Gaming Cans Under $100
You can't go wrong gifting a new set of over-ear cans to a gamer, and the EPOS H3X is quite possibly the best option under $100. Developed in collaboration with the gearheads from DROP, these wired headphones offer a concoction of sleek design and durable build that belie their sticker, top-notch sound, and a high-performance microphone.
The EPOS H3X is equally great for competitive gameplay and virtual meetings. Its high-quality microphone conveniently retracts when not needed.
11For Nostalgic Gamers
This mechanical keyboard by 8Bitdo is a gift that’s guaranteed to become an instant favorite to nostalgic gamers. The desktop accessory has a retro styling inspired by the iconic Nintendo NES console, mechanical switches with an amazing feel, and dedicated knobs for toggling between wired and wireless connectivity modes.
Impressively, the keyboard also comes with a duo of bundled oversized buttons that recipients can customize via a desktop suite. The add-on accessories will not only add more character to their desk but also speed up their workflow by offering quick access to shortcuts.
12Best for Competitive Gamers
For serious PC and Xbox gamers, consider gifting the Scuf Instinct Pro controller — it will help give them a competitive edge against their opponents. It has a nonslip performance grip, remappable buttons, interchangeable thumbsticks, and swappable profiles.
Interchangeable faceplates for instantly changing the gadget's look are another reason why it's a favorite of ours. Although the controller doesn't run cheap, if you want the best of the best for someone special on your list, it’s worth its steep price.
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13For On-the-Go Gamers
Gifting this portable gaming monitor will allow the recipient to experience high-performance gameplay anytime, anywhere. Weighing less than 2 pounds, the ultra-thin ARZOPA Z1FC has a 16-inch display panel with a crisp Full HD resolution and 144 Hz refresh rate for fast and smooth graphics.
The portable display is compatible with gaming consoles, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, thanks to USB-C and mini HDMI connectors. Other key features of the accessory include an adjustable viewing stand and a standard audio jack.
14A Compact Gamepad
The impossibly tiny (it weighs less than an ounce) 8Bitdo Micro gaming controller is a great and inexpensive gift that Android smartphone and tablet gamers will particularly appreciate. Its customizable tactile buttons are vastly more enjoyable for playing their go-to games than the onscreen controls of their smartphone.
Of course, the controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch consoles, too. Its lack of a thumbstick makes it perfect for playing old-school 2D games.
15For Cozy Gaming
Every gamer needs a comfy pair of socks to wear while conquering beasts and completing side quests. Their feet will stay warm all day and night. This three-pack will ensure they always have a pair on hand to throw on before getting set up in their gaming chair.
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16An eSports-Worthy Gaming Mouse
If you have friends or family obsessed with eSports and PC gaming, keep the Razer DeathAdder v3 mouse on your short list of gift options. Developed in partnership with pro gamers, the reasonably priced accessory packs an optical sensor with best-in-class sensitivity and six customizable buttons.
The DeathAdder v3 is also impossibly lightweight and ideal for long gaming sessions. We also like the gadget’s toned-down design that allows it to double as a mouse for work.
17Big-Name Gaming Earbuds
Gamers not into over-ear cans will appreciate a gift like the JBL Quantum TWS true wireless earbuds. The gaming buds’ bundled USB-C dongle will deliver an instant, rock-solid connection to a laptop and a gaming console, while Bluetooth connectivity makes them easy to pair with a phone for everyday use. Dual connectivity for a simultaneous link to a phone and a gaming rig is also available.
As expected from a JBL product, the Quantum TWS earbuds produce high-quality sound and strong noise cancellation. Their onboard microphones are equally suitable for calls and in-game trash talk.
18The Best-Sounding Headset Yet
The Nova Pro is the be-all-end-all wireless headset. It comes with two long-lasting swappable batteries, a base station that delivers an outstanding wireless range and lets you mix multiple audio sources, and a retractable microphone that's clearer in quality than practically every microphone I've tested.
Yes, this noise-canceling headset doesn't run cheap, but it sounds incredible and connects to every console out there. Oh, and it’s as comfy as a cloud. What more could a gamer ask for?
Related: The Best Gaming Headsets
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19For the Gamer Who's Played Everything
Who needs a “100 Most Beautiful Places to Visit Before You Die” list when you could be checking off games from this bucket list of the best video games to play instead? If the gamer in your life likes a challenge, dare them to scratch off the square if and only if they can conquer the game.
The memorable poster includes 100 cool and unique images, each corresponding to a popular gaming title. It measures 16.5 by 23.4 inches, so it doubles as a characterful wall decoration in a home office or a family room, among other spaces.
20Best Retro Gaming Gift
This miniature arcade cabinet is packed with 200 retro-inspired titles. Its features include a joystick for quick maneuverability and standard A and B buttons for in-game actions. Of course, a start button for pausing the gameplay is also on board.
Impressively, the affordable gaming machine even includes a speaker for in-game audio. The device can run on power from four AA batteries or via a microUSB cable.
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